Donegan the giant-killer as six Irish progress to last 32 in Women's Amateur
KILMARNOCK, SCOTLAND - JUNE 09: Aine Donegan on the 14th during Day Three of the R&A Womens Amateur Championship at Kilmarnock Golf Club on June 9, 2021 in Kilmarnock, Scotland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)
Lahinch’s Aine Donegan was the giant-killer on day one as she beat the leading qualifier, Icelander Ragnhildur Kristinsdóttir to make the last 32 of the Women’s Amateur Championship at Kilmarnock (Barassie).
After scraping into the matchplay as the 64th qualifier on a card countback, she hit her opening tee shot out of bounds but dug deep, winning the 11th, 12th and 13th to turn the match around as she claimed an impressive 4&3 win.
“I am feeling good now, much better than how I felt yesterday after seeing my name 64th,” a delighted Donegan said. “Although I was delighted to see that as well because there was a lot of refreshing of Google to see if I got that last spot and thankfully, I did.
“I really like match play and I feel like no matter how bad you play one hole, it doesn’t really matter. On the 1st, I hit it (tee shot) way right and lost my ball, and I had to hit a provisional. I lost the first but thankfully kept the driver in the bag for the rest of the round, hit the 5 wood and tried to keep the ball in play, and luckily it worked out, and I’m delighted with how it went.
“I made a good halve on the 8th and won the 9th, then it kind of switched, and I started to put a bit of pressure on. I was first on the tee and birdied 11 and I ended up parring 12, but I had two putts from five feet to win the hole so, 11 and 12 won them, and I won 13 as well. I won three in a row, which really helped, and I think that was the turning point.
“The top qualifier is under all the pressure, and everyone expects them to go on and win or get quite far. I spoke to my coach last night on the phone and he said just go out and play, don’t let your mind go racing, just stay calm and comfortable, and thankfully I did that, so I’m delighted now.’’
Donegan will now meet Scotland’s Shannon McWilliam who also reached the next round with a 4&3 victory over Jordan Ryan of Wales.
While Curtis Cup star Paula Grant lost 5&4 to Scot Carmen Griffiths, it was a good day for the Irish as six of the seven qualifiers progressed to the last 32.
Kirkistown Castle’s Beth Coulter beat Megan Ashley 2&1, Hermitage’s Kate Lanigan beat Chloe Goadby 4&2, Canice Screene defeated Jennifer Rankine 5&4, and Douglas’ Sara Byrne beat Nicola Slater 4&3.
Clandeboye’s Rebekah Gardner will face 2019 winner Emily Toy following her 5&4 win over Mia Eales-Smith.
